Species DescriptionIt has a total length of about 38 cm (15 in),
of which almost half is tail feathers. The general plumage is green,
with a distinct yellow collar that is broadest on the back of the
neck. The yellow collar develops as the bird ages, with more vibrant
colors found in mature birds. The front and crown is brownish black.
The remiges and primary coverts are blue and the long, pointed tail
has a red base, a narrow green center and a blue tip. The underside
of the tail and flight feathers are greenish-yellow, similar to that
of several other small macaws such as the Blue-winged and
Red-bellied Macaw. The legs are a dull pinkish color, and the iris
is reddish to dull yellow. It has extensive bare white facial skin
and the heavy bill is black, often tipped pale grey.

They
nest in a hole in a tree. The eggs are white and there are usually
two or three in a clutch. The female incubates the eggs for about 26
days, and the chicks fledge from the nest about 70 days after
hatching.

HabitatIt occurs in forest (but avoids the Amazon
Rainforest), woodland, savanna and grassland with scatted trees. It
mainly occurs in lowlands, but locally up to an altitude of 1700 m
(5600 ft).

DistributionThe main population occurs in the Pantanal of
Brazil (south-western Mato Grosso, western Mato Grosso do Sul and
southern Rond�nia), northern Argentina (eastern Jujuy and northern
Salta), far northern Paraguay (Alto Paraguay and Concepci�n) and
most of northern and eastern Bolivia (Beni, Santa Cruz, Chuquisaca
and Tarija). A second disjunct population occurs in far
north-eastern Mato Grosso, south-eastern Par� and western Tocantins
in Brazil.

CaptivityThe Yellow Nape Macaw is an extremely
intelligent and trainable pet. They are playful and self
entertaining. They tend to like a variety of people if well
socialized when young and don't tend to be screamers. They, like the
other macaws have limited talking ability, but will speak various
words and phrases and will learn to use them appropriately. They
love toys and especially they love to play in water.

SummaryMacaws are small to large, often colorful New
World parrots. Of the many different Psittacidae (true parrots)
genera, six are classified as macaws: Ara, Anodorhynchus,
Cyanopsitta, Primolius, Orthopsittaca, and Diopsittaca. Previously,
the members of the genus Primolius were placed in Propyrrhura, but
the former is correct as per ICZN rules. Macaws are native to
Mexico, Central America, South America, and formerly the Caribbean.
Most species are associated with forest, especially rainforest, but
others prefer woodland or savanna-like habitats.

Large,
dark (usually black) beaks, and relatively hairless, light colored,
medial facial (facial patch) areas distinguish macaws. Sometimes the
facial patch is smaller in some species, and limited to a yellow
patch around the eyes and a second patch near the base of the beak
in the members of the genus Anodorhynchus, or Hyacinth Macaw. It has
been documented that a Macaw's facial feathers are unique as a human
fingerprint.

Some of the macaw species are popularly
known for their impressive size. The largest parrot in length and
wingspan is the Hyacinth Macaw. The heaviest macaw is the Buffon's,
although the heaviest parrot is the flightless Kakapo. While still
relatively large parrots, the macaws of the genera Cyanopsitta,
Orthopsittaca and Primolius are significantly smaller than the
members of Anodorhynchus and Ara. The smallest member of the family,
the Red-shouldered Macaw, is no larger than some parakeets of the
genus Aratinga.

Macaws, like other parrots, as well as toucans and
woodpeckers, are zygodactyl, having their first and fourth toe
pointing backwards.

Macaws eat nuts, seeds, fruit, and sometimes insects. They also gnaw
and chew on various objects. They show a large amount of
intelligence in their behavior and require constant intellectual
stimulation to satisfy their innate curiosity. They often learn
tricks easily.

Macaws have been said to live for up to
100 years; however, an average of 50 years is probably more
accurate. The larger macaws may live up to 65 years. They are
monogamous and mate for life. In captivity unmated macaws will bond
primarily with one person – their keeper, and can often be quite
affectionate and cuddly. Pet macaws thrive on frequent interaction
and attention from their owners, and a lack of this can lead to
their mental and physical suffering.

Other sub-bondings
also take place and most macaws that are subjected to non-aggressive
behavior will trust most humans, and can be handled even by
strangers if someone familiar is also alongside.

Captive
pet macaws sometimes display difficult behavior, the most common
being biting, screaming, and feather-plucking. Feather-plucking does
not normally occur in the wild, strongly suggesting that it is the
result of a neurosis related to life in captivity, though some
sources suggest other causes such as inbreeding in captive
populations, food allergies, and dry skin (most of these birds are
adapted to humid climates).

Most pet macaws had ancestors
living in the wild just two to four generations ago, and are not
truly domesticated by any reasonable definition. (This is unlike,
for example, dogs; some estimates put the domestication of dogs as
far back as 40,000 years ago.) They are, however, quite social and
adaptable birds.

All species of macaws have very
powerful, large beaks and large macaws are capable of destroying
household furnishings and can potentially cause considerable harm to
both children and adults. They tend to be loud: in the wild their
voices need to carry over long distances. This makes macaws very
demanding birds to keep as a household pet. Additional complications
arise from the intelligence levels of macaws and their negative
responses to stimuli people may use on domestic pets, such as
punishment.

A common trend in recent years is hybridising
macaws for the pet trade. Hybrids are typical macaws, with the only
difference from true species being their genetics and their colors.
Male offspring tend to take on the traits of the mother, and the
females take the traits of the father. As for their temperament and
behavior, they seem to inherit traits of both parents.

Aviculturists have reported an over abundance of female blue and
gold macaws in captivity, which differs from the general rule with
captive macaws and other parrots, where the males are more abundant.
This would explain why the blue and gold is the most commonly
hybridised macaw, and why the hybridising trend took hold among
macaws. Common macaw hybrids include Harlequins (Ara ararauna x
chloroptera) and Catalinas (known as Rainbows in Australia, A.
ararauna x macao).

As a number of species of macaws are
endangered, it would be beneficial to maintain pure breeding stock
of captive macaws to ensure species preservation. Hybridizing
dilutes the available gene pool and could hasten a species
extinction.

Macaws are known to eat clay, which is
believed to work as an antidote to the poisonous seeds they eat. The
chemicals in the clay mix with the poison allowing it to pass
through the bird's digestive system without harming the bird.

Large Macaws require a large amount of room and thus the cage a
single bird occupies should be as large as possible, 36 inches wide
x 36 inches deep x 60 inches high, or larger. They need ample
amounts of room to prevent the muscles in their wings from
atrophying as well as plenty of room to play, exercise in, and
spread their wings. The bars of the cage should be no larger than 1
inch apart and should be made of durable metal. It should not have
parts that contain lead or zinc, including paint on the bars. Cage
cleaning and hygiene are important, Many cages have a grate covering
the base to separate the bird from its droppings. The cage should be
placed in an area that is off the floor, well-lit, and of a
consistent temperature. Perches are acceptable and recommended;
perches of varied materials and size are required to keep feet
healthy. Stands placed strategicly around the house are important as
an additional place to hang out and be part of the family. A spray
bottle of lukewarm water can be used to bathe the bird. (All macaws
typically like water and will also respond happily to an outing in
the kitchen sink as well or spray down in the shower.)